Supported by HB11 Energy’s Collaborative Science Program, a team of scientists from IPPLM Warsaw, Université de Bordeaux, Osaka University and HB11 Energy, last month completed an experiment at the GEKKO kiloJoule laser facility of the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University.
The experiment was dedicated to the investigation of the equation of state for cubic and hexagonal Boron Nitride under extreme pressures relevant for inertial fusion conditions. The GEKKO laser provided a long 2.5 ns laser pulse of up to 1 kJ energy. These unique parameters allowed production of a stable shock wave, propagating within the tested material. In turn, this led to an increase in pressure, density and temperature, reaching levels that until now, have not been experimentally tested.
The studied materials are interesting for inertial fusion as they could replace HDC ablators. In addition to offering diagnostic opportunities, Boron Nitride melting temperatures and bulk modulus are lower than those of diamond. Because of this, they may allow for a more adiabatic implosion, which would provide higher fusion burn gains.
